Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Oregon

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth.

We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that manage air, water, waste, and thermal control for human missions. Our portfolio spans CO removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing, waste management, and fire safety, as well as condensing heat exchangers, propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.

What makes IRPI unique is how we integrate research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering to produce hardware that performs in challenging environments. From early-stage concepts to flight-qualified systems, we transform ideas into tested, mission-ready technology that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.

Your Mission

As a mid-level Mechanical Engineer, you'll take ownership of subsystem design, analysis, and test for active NASA and commercial space programs. You'll work hands-on across the full lifecycle - from concept and CAD through analysis, in-house prototyping, test execution, and flight integration. You'll drive design decisions, coordinate with partners, and mature your work into reliable, high-performance hardware.

This is a generalist mechanical role: we want engineers who can own a subsystem end-to-end across design, analysis, and test rather than hand off between specialists. You'll lead discrete efforts, contribute across disciplines, and grow technically alongside senior and principal engineers working on real flight projects. Strong candidates at this level often grow into technical leadership roles over time, though this position is an individual contributor role today.

This position requires access to export-controlled technology. Only U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis tasks for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems supporting spaceflight hardware.
• Develop concepts, perform trade studies, and drive design reviews with cross-disciplinary input.
• Create and manage detailed SolidWorks models, assemblies, and drawings under configuration control.
• Generate, maintain, and release bills of materials for prototype and flight builds.
• Oversee and participate in the fabrication and assembly of test articles and flight hardware.
• Design and instrument test setups; execute tests and analyze performance data using Excel, MATLAB, or Python.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve design or test issues with minimal supervision.
• Document results and present clear technical conclusions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support integration and verification activities with NASA and commercial partners.
• Mentor early-career teammates and contribute to IRPI's culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence.

We're looking for engineers who take pride in craftsmanship, think creatively across disciplines, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 2-5 years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical or thermal-fluid systems. Master's degree counts as 1 year toward this requirement.
• Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a subsystem or component through design, analysis, and test on a real program - not just contribution at any one stage.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software, including manufacturing drawings and tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or additive manufacturing - you can build and test, not just simulate.
• Familiarity with test instrumentation, data collection, and analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, or Python).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship or nationality (required for export-controlled work).

Nice to Have

• Prior experience at a small space company, startup, or small-team R&D environment.
• Exposure to NASA program lifecycles, design reviews (PDR/CDR), or flight qualification processes.
• Experience mentoring early-career engineers or leading small technical efforts.

Benefits

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $108,000 - $135,000, based on experience and degree
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families
• Retirement: Employer contributions to help you build long-term security
• Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule
• Family Support: Paid parental leave and flexibility to support work-life balance
• Performance Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities tied to company and individual success
• Professional Growth: Hands-on experience with flight hardware, mentorship from senior and principal engineers, and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge space programs from day one
• Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team developing breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of exploration

How to Apply

Be sure to answer all application questions fully and thoughtfully. Our hiring team reviews every application and may also consider you for other positions that align with your skills and interests.

If you have a thesis, dissertation, or technical presentation (M.S. or Ph.D. work), include it. A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides details not captured in your resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IRPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected category.